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Wednesday, 30 September 2009

Oh what a morning.. girls in the house all falling out - typical teenagers eh? I have a bit of a migraine this morning (my own fault as I ate some bread yesterday.. sigh) so hadn't got up at half five like usual. They ended up squabbling over one thing and another and all ended up going out - one to school and one to work - with the huff. Me thinks it's going to be a nice quiet evening later, hehe.

One thing I did want to do this morning is to combine two of my blogs - my Stampin Up blog and also this one, my main blog.

The reason I had two was to leave bits as seperate sections, but as I don't tend to do just SU cards and seem to combine their products with my own ideas,( which I think makes for a more varied blog) then my SU blog doesn't really get updated too much. So now, everything will be posted on here, SU or non SU, and all SU only products will be copied over to my other blog.

There was a bit of an uproar on Split Coast a while ago about the new terms of the IDA. As it's just in the US, and not actually here in the UK, for now, I'm combined. If the new IDA terms come in here too, then I'll change my blog back over to seperate.

Anyway, here's a little baby card I made up that was over on my SU blog.

The stamp set is one that I don't use all that often, and really I should as it is sooo cute. I teamed it up with some SU papers, but will have to check which ones they are. will update later.

And here's a little close up of the details.

Now, I am really loving this little cute Christmas tree. I think everyone will have one of these cards this year. lol.

It's from the same set as the card above and as I say, will update with more details later on products.

Tuesday, 29 September 2009

I thought I would sit and upload these cards for you this morning as I'm up early again. lol. The fella's have just gone off to work, so I made myself a cuppa.

I made these a few days ago whilst I was getting over my op, so they're not too detailed. Just plain and simple - but I actually quite like them.

For this first one, I decided to use a Penny Black stamp - how cute is this little woofer? It reminds me just of my little furballs, but mine have usually got a snail in their mouth ... not a flower.. hehe.

I coloured the images using the Inktense pencils and a blender pen. The papers are Stampin Up, so is the ribbon and the greeting. It's not very often that I add a greeting to my cards until I decide what occasion it's for.

Here's a closer look of the little cheeky chap.

This second card is a stamp I bought when I was at Harrogate the other week.

I don't usually go a bundle on these type of stamps, but I thought this one was quite nice. I haven't actually got any stamps with a shopping type of theme, so this is probably going to get used quite a bit.

Here she is in closer detail so you can look at the way the blender pen spreads the colour. I am loving colouring in this way... it's so different to usual and alot cleaner!

The blender pens are available to order from Stampin Up - you can place your order with me - or through Docrafts. I have tried both types and there isn't really any difference.

The papers and ribbon are Stampin Up and the bit of lace is from the Craft Den, Sheffield. The little plastic greeting is from my stash, not sure where it's from. I've had it a while and thought it went quite well with the card.

I'm sure I'll be back later with another card or two as I have lots of work to catch up on today.

For me, Thursday's is always thought of as Lili of the Valley challenge day. We are now doing the challenges every two weeks, and the response to turning it fortnightly is amazing. There have been some great cards being entered in for the challenges, so thank you all.

This week, we have a sketch challenge, designed by your's truly. Here's the sketch -

And here's my take on it -

I used the new christmas die cuts from Lili of the Valley. Here's a close up

The charms are something I've had for a while - not sure where they came from. The middle of the little flowers are made using little metal bells, so the card jingles when it's moved.

Don't forget to nip on over and take a peek at all the rest of the DT samples, and have a play along.

Today's news? I had the all clear from the hospital. The lump I had removed from me booby came back fine, it's just necrosis of the breast - a result of the bad car accident we had last year. I'm so relieved.. but sad I won't be seeing my lovely consultant again. He was so nice, friendly, had a really really lovely manner, and hands as soft as a baby's bum! Actually.. he wasn't bad looking either hehe..

Then after coming out of the hospital, Carley and I went into town for my emergency supply of Dandelion Tea.. compulsory in a morning.. and sooo refreshing! I had run out yesterday so was stuck with nettle and peppermint. I picked up a Craft Stamper magasine to read later. I do quite like this magasine, as it has got some good ideas in there.. not too sure about the grungy look of things sometimes, but each to their own.

We also had a run down to Sheffield, to see the lovely Lynn at the Craft Den. It's always nice to pop in and say Hi.. Lynn is always so helpful and smiley, I can highly recommend getting in touch if anyone needed anything. There is a wide range of items in the shop that I definately can't get anywhere else near to me.. and the expertise and knowledge that she gives for any queries you have is brilliant. I took Carley with me, which is lethal.. and we had a bit of a spend on some new stamps, a great little box that needs decorating, some papers, magazine, ribbons.... etc.. lol

The magazine that I picked up was Creative Cardmaking.. which I did a commission for a few months back.

If you look at the top left of the images, the NOEL card is mine. There are three full pages of projects in there. I love to have projects put in the mag's - it's great fun.

When I got home after a very long, tiring day, I telephoned my friend Nikki up in Scotland to let her know how I'd gone on at the hospital, and she told me that I was featured on the Docrafts site. I had a 'in the spotlight' section on the homepage and also a project which was project of the week last week, which has been fantastically recieved by folks. There have been over 10,000 people look at it! I personally think that's brilliant!

So, that's my news for today.. not much else to tell you really. No cards again today - sorry - but I will try to get some uploaded for you very soon.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Happy Friday everyone!!! Here we are again at another favorites challenge! Can you believe it??? I think it was split last week, a lot of you thought favorite embellishments was easy, but many of you (me included) just couldn't pick a favorite!!!

Let's see what everyone thinks of this week's challenge.....FAVORITE COLORS OR PAPERS. Use your favorite color, or color combo, or favorite designer paper in your project. What do you think easy or too hard to choose???

And the one for Copic colour Challenge was this..

Right! Time to get down to business, stop waffling and tell you all about this weeks challenge. As the season here in the UK has really started to turn, these colours are going to be perfect for all of those autumnal cards you are all dying to make!

I just love these Autumnal colours, but I didn't really have a stamp to go with it, so used a new stamp that I bought from the Harrogate Show.

Here he is, in full.

I used my favourite My Mind's Eye papers (I'm loving this brand!) as the colours went along with my image. The copic colours also went really well with them. Ducky's little beak has had some 3D gloss poured over it to give it a slightly glossy look.

Blimey.. I'm so shattered.. I've been like it since coming out of the hospital. I can fall to sleep at the drop of a hat. It must be something to do with the anaesthetic I guess.. I've never yawned so much.

Today, I've tried to get back to normal and get some work done.. but decided to have a go at a few challenges instead. lol.

This first card isn't for a challenge, I decided to make a Thank you card for all the staff on G5 at Doncaster Hospital for everything they did last weekend. The staff were so lovely and friendly, not at all like I remember too much when I worked on there!! Hehe.

I used Stampin Up papers and stamp, I absolutley love this stamp.. it lends itself to a variety of occasions. I edged the card up with the Mandala board.

Here's a close up of the flowers -

I used copics to colour the stamping and layered up the flowers and leaves using silicone to add a bit extra dimension.

Friday, 18 September 2009

I went to the hospital on an urgent admission at 7am this morning, to have a lump taken out of my boobie. I was hoping to get results of a biopsy from last week, however,they were inconclusive so they decided to take it out altogether and test it like that.

I came out of theatre around quarter to three, very tired and obviously very sore. I came home at around half five, and am now on complete rest for a few days.

Just thought I'd update my blog in case I don't get a chance to upload anything for awhile.

Thursday, 17 September 2009

I love this sentiment. It's one from a Stampin Up set I have (will check the name out later for you.. can't remember it off hand).

This set I've not really used much, but I love it. There are different truck loads I can put onto the back too - including three little woofers (the reason i bought it!) so they really do for any occasion from Birthdays to Christmas.

(I apologise for the colouration of the card - I don't like using flash, and it was taken in the evening)

The stamping was done with Stampin Up Basic Grey (I much prefer this to a black) and colouring was done with the Stampin Up crayons. These are just brilliant and you can get so much shading on the image with them.

I layered up some of the houses and the little pickup to add a little dimension to the card.

Oh dear. I'm running really late with projects this last week or so. Time has just got the better of me again, what with hospital appointments and things, and as a result, my card for last week's Challenge over at the Lili of the Valley blog is late.

The Theme for this week's challenge is Brown, Greenand Orange. Why not nip over and play along too?

I have had a chance to get it done now.. and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!

The stamp is one of the lovely new released by LOTV and they are sooooo cute. I just love how they look!

Here is the little cuddlybud in close up

Isn't he just the cutest? I can see me using this little bear again and again.. He is really easy to colour too.

I was asked a while ago if I would make a parchment card for the Docrafts site for the Project of the Week. This goes onto the home page for a week.

It's not very often that I get around to making parchment cards, so I relish in the challenge whenever asked.

This is the card I made.

I absolutely love how they set out their 'dressings' for the photograph.. Me thinks I'm going to start doing this too. It looks so pretty.

Full details on how to make the card are over at the Docrafts site if you'd like to check it out. Parchment craft using the XCut stencils isn't half as hard as you would imagine.. it's quite simple in fact.

Tuesday, 15 September 2009

A little bit earlier than I like to make mine, but thought I would knock this one up today for a little challenge.

Over at Inspirational Card Sketches, they are running a DT request challenge, and I'd love to be a part of their DT, so thought I'd give it a whizz. There are more details on their web site HERE.

So, using the sketch that was provided, this is my entry.

Here are a few more close ups of the details.

As you can see, I've stamped the images a few times and cut out and layered them up to create a more dimensional look. The bird I used at the top was embossed with holographic powder to give it a shine.

The flowers on the card are both paper, both white, but I coloured one with copic markers. I added some glitter to it to make it shine.

I fell in love with this buckle at the show on Sunday. They are so lovely and I thought it went perfectly with the colors of the card.

The papers are from Craftwork cards, the lace is from the Craft Den and the blue ribbon is Stampin Up.

Today I've woke up feeling refreshed and everything's ok. The pupsters are all sleeping (until I wake them up in a mo... ) so I thought I would just pop a few cards on here for you.

The pictures aren't brilliant as they were taken in a rush at the weekend, after my demo, and I was packing up to come home. These are the quick samples that I made to show various techniques.

This one used the new Christmas element stickers and a bit of matting and layering.

This is stamped and embossed, then using the guillotine to make a grid pattern in the corners.

New Papermania decoupage to finish it off.

The new X Cut punches were used to create the star border, and new PM decoupage

was used for the teddie.

This was a matching one to the one above. I used the new PM pyramage sheets for this image.

Right. I suppose I better make a move. I am going to the vets this morning with a little bunny that Leyton bought home last night. It was sat in the middle of the road, nearly hit by a car, and it looks like it's got Myxi. So.. I rang the RSPCA who have told me to take it the vets. Cute little thing it is too. This is a horrible disease, and there's nothing you can do about it once they've got it.. such a shame.

You can see on here where I've placed little dots of glitter and added some Stampin Up pearls to finish the card.

Here's the puss in the middle. You can clearly see the shading I've done on the stamped image.

I layered the images up a little to create some more dimension. I hope you like it.

So why a little moan?

Well. I'm not going to go into too much detail, but don't you just hate it when people have an opinion on something that they know nothing about? I recieved a comment left on Facebook this morning from an extended family member who thinks it's fine to spout off about things they know nothing about. It refers to thiscertain person browsing my blog and coming across the post from September the 11th I guess about me going to the hospital.

As you know I didn't hide the fact that I have a lump in my boob which is being checked out. The problem is I didn't have time over the weekend to ring my mum to tell her about the situation. Paul was at home with me on Thursday and Friday, I was working on Saturday and out on Sunday.. so when have I had the time? Am I supposed to ring late at night when I'm completely drained? Or am I supposed to ring when I have more time to explain things better?

So tell me, is this just me overreacting or what? If anyone wants to know anything about whatever is on my blog, or happening in my life, just rings me, or waits for me to ring them (don'tcha Nikki? lol) I am working everyday and have famly life to juggle with things too, and as you all know, it's not easy sometimes and actually, I can't really be bothered to talk to anyone later on in the evening. MSN is as good as it gets (Rosie - you know this too!)

So.. there.. Said it. Just had to have a moan.. Now I can't be doing with all this hassle and my name being pulled through the mud everytime someone in my extended family thinks I should do things differently, so I am officially divorcing them. As from today. If they want, they can find out why by asking, but also ask my children too - I'm pretty sure they'll explain how they feel about certain situations too!

As I have often said on my blog, my main area of concern is my family - Paul, Leyton, Carley, Martina, and not forgetting the furbabies. And this will always be so.

When I woke up this morning, i decided to make a trip upto the Papercraft show up at Harrogate. I wasn't sure if I was actually going to go, mainly because I was working yesterday.

I had my demo up at the Range, Doncaster - another brilliant day. Everyone was so lovely (they always are) and the staff were great as usual. I saw some regulars and some newbies and it was wonderful to meet you all. We shared ideas, techniques and lots of chatter. I got the most amazing text message from one lovely lady called Mandi. It's nice when people can take the time to say how much they enjoyed the demo.

So - today - Harrogate.

As soon as I entered the building, I bumped into Jill (from the Stamp Man). By 'eck, she gives the best cuddles! It was so lovely to see Jill again, it was at another show when I last bumped into her. We share a love of spaniels, as well as other things crafty.

So, as I carried on my merry journey, I found lots of fantastic stamps, but resistance is futile and I did buy a few. **sigh**. I also bumped into a few great folks along the way.

I saw Lynne from the Craft Den in Sheffield. I met up with Net, who was trying to decide between two snowmen stamps lol. I got another cuddle from the lovely Amanda Bateman and we had a natter like we always do. Then - to my suprise - hehe.. I met Pat Taylor. A wonderful lady who demo's for Docrafts. She always asks how I'm doing, and it's great to chat to her when we meet up. Lots of cuddles there too. I'll have to make a point of meeting up with her more often!

Who else did I see? Laila and Lisa from Lili of the Valley were at their stand. It's so nice to put a face to a name, and not just talk over the phone as we always have.

Phyllis and George were there from Diamond Card Craft, so cuddles there too with Phyll.

Everyone was so busy it was difficult to stand talking to everyone.. so Hi to Kim from the Craft Emporium, we chatted a little, and she's got all my contact details and we'll be talking more in the future. Bev Rochester was there, doing her fantastic colouring as usual. What an inspiration she really is! We talked for a while about different things.

Ali Craft were there, nattered to them..

It seemed to be the order of the afternoon really.. lol.. walk a few steps, talk a little, etc...

Great afternoon all round. Pleased to be home again, with my nettle and peppermint tea - Bliss!!

Friday, 11 September 2009

sorry for the lack of posts lately, things have been a bit hectic here.

Yesterday, I was back at the hospital for another check up at the Jasmine Centre. This is the breast care unit in Doncaster hospital. I had been there a few weeks ago to have a lump checked out. It turned out to be a cyst and it was sorted.

this time, my check up - I thought - was the same thing, but it turns out not to be quite the same. They couldn't aspirate it with a needle, so have taken a sample to do more tests, then next week I'm back for the results - and possibly another ultrasound and biopsy.

It's been quite worrying really, but hubby came with me yesterday, and today we've had a lovely morning as he took today off too.

We went upto the Range in Doncaster where I am doing a demo tomorrow for Docrafts. They have got all the Christmas stock in, which is great I must say. We then did a bit of shopping.

This evening we took the dogs out again, and we took them to Cantley Woods. They love it up there.. however, there was a bit of a distraction tonight for them.... there were b-aliens in the field! lol.

As we walked along the edge of the fields, the farmers have been out bailing, and the pooches didn't like it one bit. Holly was growling and was very nervous, and Scooby was very unsure too. Truly didn't really care too much. They were the really big round bails - hence b-aliens.. lol. It was so funny.

And, I'm pleased to say that Scooby has made friends finally with three lovely dogs we meet quite often up there.

There's three Irish Wolfhounds that we usually see, we have for the last few years. The male one who Holly played with as a puppy is Rodney, there was his mum, and then the new addition who is just over 6 months old. She is Daphne. And for very large dogs, they are soooo gentle and graceful. Me thinks that I would like one - along with me pig, a bull, ducks and a few chickens.. lol.

Wednesday, 9 September 2009

This morning, I was up bright and early with the birds, and was greeted with the Dawn Chorus.. isn't it so lovely. Early mornings must be my favourite time of the day, hearing all the birds singing along. The weather this morning seems quite nice, so they were all out in force.

My most favourite one is the Robin. We have a few that come visiting the garden, along with a cheeky blackbird, thrush and bluetits. As well as these we get a couple of doves and the usual sparrows and starlings. On occasions we have also had a sparrow hawk.

Years ago, we had a blackbird that used to hop its way into the house and eat from the same bowl as the cats and dogs - and none of them minded each other at all. My mum has a photo that she took years ago, I'll have to ask her to find it so I can scan it in. So funny. We had two cats at the time and a couple of dobermanns. lol.

Tuesday, 8 September 2009

Well, the school holidays are over. Martina went back to school yesterday and everyone else was at work. So I was here all my myself.

I love the school holidays - I always have. To spend time with family is important to me and I love it when everyone is at home. I've been a mum for nearly 21 years now and to me, I should be at home to look after everyone. Just my opinion obviously, but family comes first for everything - including work.

So.... yesterday - whilst being here on my own lol - I decided to have a quiet crafty day. The pupsters had all settled down into their usual sleepy-through-the-day routine, which gave me time to do some stamping. Here are my efforts for today.

This card is seen over in full at my Stampin Up blog - as is some news on a new Virtual Hostess Club and also the Last Chance stamp sets which are being withdrawn. Go on over and grab a bargain. Just let me know if you need anything.

I'm hanging my head in shame now. This is a stamp that I've had for a while and never even inked up. I love these stamps, they're so cute. I used Papermania papers to decorate the card and coloured the image with Prismas.

Here's a little close up.

Right.. onto the rest of the day. I've a couple of cards to make, nothing important, but I just want to get ahead with some christmas cards, so I've dug out some stamps and will have a little play later. I also need to get cracking on some samples for a new website I'm in the process of setting up with my daughter. More news on that later.

Monday, 7 September 2009

If you've not been over to my Stampin Up blog recently, you'll have missed the start of the Last Chance List from Stampin Up.

The NEW catalogue is due out at the beginning of October and some of the older stamp sets which are currently available are going.. Click HERE to find out which ones are going and check out the bargain prices.

If you are wanting to order any of them, just get in touch and I'll get them to you asap.

Would you like to be part of this great new venture of mine? Well now you can.

I'm all ready to start a new Virtual Hostess club, which is a lovely way to add to or start off your great collection of Stampin Up product over a period of time, whilst spreading the cost and still recieving the fantastic hostess benefits associated with a qualifying order. A qualifying order has a minimum value of £150 and for this, the hostess can get one of these FREE benefits.

One Level 1 hostess stamp set of your choice. (these can't be bought, they can only be earned!)

£15 worth of free product to spend as you wish in the catalogue.

So, what do you have to do?

A group of lovely folks, 10 in all (advertised for by me, you don't have to find them.. lol.. although if you know someone then invite them along too!) and we form a club. This club will run for 10 months, and each member agrees to place an order for a minimum of £15 per month plus the post and packing. This will give us the minimum we need every month for the hostess benefits.

Each month a different member is the Virtual Hostess and will collect all the free benefits that come with that month's total order.

For the club members, I will set up a new group with access to ideas and inspiration, special offers and challenges. You will also receive a FREE copy of the new catalogue and idea book, and any mini catties or other bits released during the 10 months.

Sunday, 6 September 2009

Why not come and play along at the Rosie Dee Challenge? We'd love to see more of you joining in, so why not come on over and say Hi?? It's a great challenge. But me being me - well, I turned the sketch around to be different.. lol.

Here's a sneeky of my card for this week. I hope you nip over to see the full thing.

I'll reveal the whole card to you next week - but seriously.. nip over to our blog and take part. There are some wonderful DT works on there.

About Me

Welcome to my blog!
I hope you find a few things on here that inspire you... there are lots of things to look at - stamping, decoupage, die cutting, crafting and tutorials.... and most importantly - general chatter about most things I get around to doing...
I hope you can join me on my Creative journey.